A guide to Hainan's authentic island flavors

en.hainan.gov.cn

Updated: 2025-12-09

Hainan Island's rich culinary heritage offers a captivating fusion of indigenous Li and Miao traditions, with abundant seafood and tropical ingredients. The restaurants listed below preserve generations-old recipes while embracing modern dining aesthetics. Each venue tells a unique story through its flavors, ambiance and dedication to Hainan's great gastronomic traditions.

1. Qiongcai Fang (Hainan Restaurant)

Authentic heritage: Where Li and Miao traditions meet at the dining table. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

This restaurant serves authentic Hainan dishes in an atmosphere rich with Li and Miao ethnic decorations and elements. It's earned its reputation through consistent quality and faithful preparation of island specialties.

Address:
• Huaqiao Branch: 1F, Overseas Chinese Hotel, No 17 Datong Lu, Longhua district, Haikou
• Qiongyuan Branch: 1F, Hainan Qiongyuan Hotel, No 38 Bailong Nanlu, Meilan district, Haikou

Business hours:
• Huaqiao Branch: 6:30 am—2:00 pm, 5:30 pm—8:30 pm
• Qiongyuan Branch: 7:00 am—2:00 pm, 5:00 pm—9:00 pm

Contact:
• Huaqiao Branch: (+86) 898 66522933
• Qiongyuan Branch: (+86) 898 65896008

2. Qiongcai Wang

Celebration venue: A trusted choice for banquets and corporate gatherings. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

This restaurant is a very popular choice for local celebrations, corporate gatherings and family reunions. It's known for exceptional banquet service and two signature dishes: Fruitwood-roasted suckling pig and the renowned sliced boiled Wenchang chicken.

Address: No 18 Nanhai Avenue, Longhua district, Haikou

Business hours: 11:00 am—2:00 pm, 5:00 pm—9:00 pm

Contact: (+86) 898 66666299, (+86) 898 66666399

3. Longquanren Coconut Chicken Hotpot

Cool coconut: Serving Hainan's most iconic hotpot since the 1990s. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

Operating for over 30 years, this restaurant specializes in Hainan's most famous hotpot experience — chicken simmered in fresh coconut water with local herbs. It's a must-visit for authentic island flavors in an unpretentious setting.

Address: Room 103, Building 15, Lyudi Haide Gongguan, No 35 Binhai Dadao, Longhua district, Haikou

Business Hours: 10:30 am—10:00 pm

Contact: (+86) 898 66288939

4. Qiongcai Jiyi

Living museum: Where culinary history meets contemporary dining. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

This restaurant is dedicated to preserving Hainan's culinary traditions, featuring fresh ingredients prepared for authentic flavors. Its unique "Hainan Cuisine Museum" corner displays artifacts and stories from the island's food history.

Address:

• Meilan Branch: No 34 Qunshang Lu, Meilan district, Haikou
• Shimao Branch: 1F, Xin Hongji Building, No 10 Shimao Xilu, Longhua district, Haikou
• Xihaian Branch: 1-3F, Sanxian Huifu,No 9 Changbin Silu, Xiuying district, Haikou

Business Hours: 10:00 am—9:30 pm (all branches)

Contact:

• Meilan Branch: (+86) 898 65677575
• Shimao Branch: (+86) 898 68581699
• Xihaian Branch: (+86) 898 32889666

5. Zhuxia Qishi (S-Restaurant)

Contemporary heritage: Modern interpretations of island classics. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

This fine restaurant is a contemporary dining destination specializing in innovative interpretations of Hainan's culinary classics. The menu features standout dishes — including crispy salt-baked Wenchang chicken, betel nut flower-braised Dongshan goat and black tofu with crab roe and seafood.

Address:

• Chengxi Branch: No 1 Chengxi Lu, Longhua district, Haikou
• Shangbang Branch: 1F, Building 3, Shangbang Baihui City, No 98 Jinlong Lu, Longhua district, Haikou
• Suoluowan Branch: Shop 4-112, 1F, Suoluowan Yishu Fengqing Jie, No 5 Meixiang Henglu, Meilan district, Haikou

Business Hours:

• Chengxi Branch: 7:30 am—10:30 pm
• Shangbang Branch: 11:00 am—11:00 pm
• Suoluowan Branch: 8:30 am—10:30 pm

Contact:

• Chengxi Branch: (+86) 898 68555039
• Shangbang Branch: (+86) 898 65950893
• Suoluowan Branch: (+86) 898 66221508

6. Shangnantang (SNT Teahouse)

Arcade ambiance: Traditional tea culture beneath elegant arches. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

A unique teahouse and restaurant experience that is spread across two floors in Haikou's historic Qilou Old Street. The ground floor serves traditional Hainan teas in a serene setting, while the upstairs restaurant offers specialty tea-infused dishes with window seats overlooking the street's iconic historical architecture.

Address: No 78-80 Zhongshan Road, Longhua district, Haikou

Business Hours: 8:30 am–10:00 pm

Contact: (+86) 13976004405

7. Wenchang Xiaolaodi Zaopocu Hotpot

Twin specialties: Embracing two of Hainan's signature flavors under one roof. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

This restaurant brings together two of Hainan's most beloved dishes under one roof. The Zaopocu (vinegar fermented from distiller's grains) hotpot and coconut milk-infused Wenchang chicken have made this location a favorite with young locals and visitors alike.

Address: 2F, Building 3, Shangbang Baihui City, No 98 Jinlong Lu, Longhua district, Haikou

Business Hours: 11:00 am–10:00 pm

Contact: (+86) 18100961235

8. Qiongcai Wang (Sanya Branch)

Beachside celebration: A great venue for special occasions in the resort city. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

This restaurant specializes in authentic Hainan cuisine — featuring signature dishes such as Wenchang chicken, Jiaji duck, Dongshan goat and a wide selection of fresh seafood prepared with traditional techniques.

Address: Next to Hong Kong Department Store Plaza, Yuya Lu, Dadonghai, Jiyang district, Sanya

Business Hours: 11:00 am—2:00 pm, 5:00 pm—9:00 pm

Contact: (+86) 898 31888855

9. Nanhai Licun

Indigenous flavors: Where Li ethnic culture meets coastal cuisine. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

Authentic Li ethnic cuisine is served here in a setting that perfectly honors Hainan's indigenous heritage. The second-floor dining area offers ocean views while guests enjoy specialties like Hainanese winged beans, forest mushrooms and traditional Li-style fish prepared with local herbs and techniques.

Address: Building B1, Jinglilai Resort, Sanyawan Lu, Tianya district, Sanya

Business Hours: 11:00 am—10:30 pm

Contact: (+86) 15223099407

10. Lao Tan Men Seafood Restaurant

Ocean-to-table freshness: Where the sea is your dining partner. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

A beachfront seafood restaurant where diners can watch chefs prepare their meals. Located steps away from the ocean in a charming villa setting, this casual dining spot specializes in simply prepared fish, shellfish and the famous Sanya salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp dish.

Address: Villa No 3, Donghai Lu, Jiyang district, Sanya

Business Hours: 10:30 am—1:00 am

Contact: (+86) 13976790641

11. Qionglong Xu Bainian Laobacha

Time-honored ritual: Preserving Hainan's unique tea culture for generations. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

The restaurant is dedicated to preserving Hainan's unique tea culture. Laobacha — literally "old dad's tea" — is a distinctive Hainanese tradition where leisurely morning tea sessions include a wide selection of dim sum, sweet buns and savory items. This establishment serves both time-honored classics and creative new dishes.

Address: Shop B208, 2F, No 535 Yuya Lu, Jiyang district, Sanya

Business Hours: 7:30 am—7:30 pm

Contact: (+86) 898 88668333

12. Ye Xiao Ji Coconut Chicken (Chicken inside Coconut)

Specialty refined: A perfect fusion of tradition and contemporary dining. [Photo/Meituan and Dianping apps]

Specializing in one of Hainan's most famous dishes — coconut chicken hotpot, this modern eatery offers a refined take on the traditional preparation. Its version features free-range local chicken simmered in fresh coconut water and served with a selection of house-made dipping sauces.

Address: 3F, Qingchunli Plaza, Yingbin Lu, Tianya district, Sanya

Business Hours: 11:00 am—9:30 pm

Contact: (+86) 898 31096598, (+86) 18889960150

Disclaimer: The restaurants featured in this article are selected based on public reviews and online ratings for the convenience of the international community in Hainan. Please note that we do not endorse these establishments nor accept any liability for their services, quality or business practices. We encourage all readers to exercise their own judgment when selecting dining venues.